This website illuminates my life and adventures. My longing for freedom has led me to over 2600 of the world’s 3978 provinces, to every country on earth and to the summit of the highest peak on each continent (thank heaven for good weather!). In my travels, I learned to respect the intelligence and ingenuity of people of all races and callings both past and present. Come see the world as I see it: as a peaceful place, full of nature and beauty. With the right spirit and intent, we can make our world a virtual Garden of Eden.
DISTINCTIONS: BBC 2017 Travel Pioneer • Journal Articles • Explorer’s Club Flag Expeditions
World Parks Project • Walk Across South America • Jeff Shea Travel Map
Turkey, Nevsehir Prov, Cappadocia Zelve Interior Room
Turkey, Artvin Prov, Fishing Ponds
Myanmar, Mandalay Prov, Bagan Temple
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Salar De Imilac Camp 12
Thailand, Chumphon Prov, Elephant and Rider
UK, Kingston upon Thames (London) Prov, Mother Child And Swans
Tibet, Dropuri, Medicine Rock, 1991 - The first time I visited Tibet was in 1991. At that time, the ground in front of Dropuri, or Medicine Rock, was natural earth, as shown in this photograph. I returned in 1995 on the way to Everest, disappointed to find that the ground had been paved with asphalt, a completely inappropriate material for this site. This rock wall was once contiguous with a ridge that led to the Potala Palace. In their enthusiasm for wanton progress, the government blasted a hole in the ridge to make room for an asphalt road. Is there no respect?
IN, Riau Province, Batam, Tree, 2008, IMG_2236 - The island of Batam in Indonesia can be reached by ferry in 45 minutes from Singapore. The problem with Batam is the oil slicks that drive over from one of the largest oil processing places in the world, Jurong Island of Singapore. A dip in the water with your knees in the sand for a minute can result in thick black oil sludge sticking to one's body.
Turkey, Artvin Prov, Road To Porta
A time exposure gave a pleasant color palette from barriers alongside the road.